Christmas and Easter celebrated as commemorations of Christ's life
Calvary Chapel celebrates Christmas and Easter as significant Christian holidays commemorating the Incarnation and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. These are observed with special services and outreach events. The movement does not regard these holidays as pagan or problematic, treating them as valuable opportunities for worship and evangelism.
Calvary Chapel does not follow a formal liturgical church calendar beyond these major observances. Pastors exercise discretion in how holidays are incorporated into church life, but Advent and Easter seasons are widely observed. The movement's evangelistic orientation means holidays are also used as opportunities to welcome seekers into the church community.
Key Distinctions
- Christmas easter observed:
- observed — Christmas and Easter are core celebrations of the Christian calendar
- Biblical feasts observed:
- not formally observed; OT feasts are fulfilled in Christ
- Rationale:
- historical events of the Incarnation and Resurrection are celebrated liturgically
Scripture References
Sources
- Calvary Chapel Distinctives (Chuck Smith)
- Calvary Chapel Statement of Faith